Travel Tips

Passports
Travel Arrangements
Customs
Baggage
Costs

Passports
You are required to have a passport to travel to Costa Rica or Nicaragua. If you do not have a passport or need to renew yours, contact your local passport office or post office. It may take up to 6 weeks to process your passport. To obtain a passport you will need:

1. Two passport sized photos (these can be taken at quick photo shops, some travel agents, or photography studios)
2. Certified birth certificate
3. Photo Identification (drivers license, student ID)

Nicaragua: US passport must have a validation window of greater than 6
months. If less you need to apply for a new passport.
Costa Rica: US passport must have a validation window of greater than 1
month. If less you need to apply for a new passport.


Call your local travel agent or Post Office to find the quickest way to process your passport and to determine what forms of identification are required for the application. You can obtain a passport application at most U.S. Post Offices.

You do not need to obtain a visa to enter or leave Costa Rica or Nicaragua as long as you have a valid passport. Visas are only required for stays of longer than 90 days. (Int'l Students need to obtain visa) Canadian students do not need visa's to enter Costa Rica or Nicaragua.

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Travel Arrangements
All students will be required to arrive in Costa Rica or Nicaragua before one day before class. We suggest all students to use one travel agent.
Contact Mila Travel. milalatin@aol.com
Ask for Sara Erskine
1-800-367-7378 Tell her you are going to Ometepe or La Suerte and she will know what flights others are on and the schedule you need to meet. If you have your own agent that is ok.

Once you apply you will receive detailed instructions regarding airport pick up and hotel accommodations.

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Customs
When entering Costa Rica and returning to the United States you will pass through Customs. You can expect a thorough search of your luggage. The possession of ILLEGAL DRUGS or other contraband materials is considered a serious offense and carries with it severe penalties (jail). The U.S. and Canadian Governments or La Suerte cannot "spring" Americans or Canadians from foreign jails. Your family or friends must contact the U.S. State Department's Citizens Emergency Center 202-647-5225 or the State Department's main number 202-634-3600. Emergency assistance generally pertains to four categories: deaths, arrests, financial-medical problems and welfare-whereabouts queries.
Illegal drugs: Conumption of illegal drugs is prohibited to the participants of the field course, if you do so; you will be expelled from the course and your parents will be informed that you are on your way home.

Tuition Cost is Non-Refundable

Baggage
Airline's baggage limits may vary but you should be able to fit all your gear and equipment into 1 backpack or duffel bag (under 70 lb.), please lock them . Waterproof or water resistant bags are preferable.

Costs
1. Transportation and travel arrangements: You will receive specific travel details after your acceptance. You are responsible for passport, airport taxes ($25.00 USD exit tax in Costa Rica / Nicaragua), visas fees (if any), as well as all Air Fare costs to and from San Jose, Costa Rica or Managua, Nicaragua : La Suerte or Ometepe will provide you with food, housing and transportation from San Jose / Managua to La Suerte / Ometepe Biological Field Station (3 hrs bus ride in CR and 2 hrs bus drive + 1 hr boat ride in Nicaragua).

2. Arrival and departing nights: Our tuition does not cover arriving and departing night hotel accommodations. Since most of you arrive a day early to meet the group you will need hotel accomodations near the airport. We coordinate this for you by making group reservations to lower the cost. The cost varies depending on the location you choose to stay in. Hotel nights range from $30 to $50 a night and include breakfast. Also estimate $5 to $10 for lunch and dinner. Prices fluctuate from year to year. Information on locations and exact costs will be mailed to you on the pre-acceptance note or by email.

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